"The Pascagoula river is the last unimpeded river in the lower 48 states," said Wilkinson.

Kathy is part of a growing industry in Coastal Mississippi and beyond. Eco-tourism invites people to experience culture, history and the natural beauty that sets an area of America apart.

"I get to meet people from all over the world, we've had guests from all around Europe. We get people from Canada and all over the Midwest, it's great to interact with them. We take them out and all of them love it," Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson's company also offer kayak trips, cruises to the barrier islands and customized tours. Her bread and butter is boat rides on the Pascagoula river. The tours begin in Gautier, travel beyond the interstate and reveal plant and wild life in remote bayous where, if visitors are lucky, they'll get up close and personal with an alligator.

For most people, a gator sighting is the highlight of the trip.

"Sometimes it's just a fleeting glance. We often see them. That's what people really like is to see a gator," Wilkinson said.

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File). FILE - In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior....

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>